Directional animation for communications

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, user interface and computer program product for detecting in a communication device a communication between a sender and a recipient, determining a location of the sender, determining a location of the recipient, determining a direction between the location of the recipient relative to the location of the sender, and providing a directional animation on a display of the communication device, wherein the directional animation is generally in a direction from the location of the sender towards the location of the recipient.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments generally relate tocommunications, and in particular to providing animated directionalinformation during communications.

BACKGROUND

When a call is made, one party will very often inquire as to thegeographical location of the other party. Such an inquiry is especiallycommon when the caller and the recipient are planning to meet, or whenone or both parties are trying to get to a specific geographicallocation. Additionally, one party may wish to obtain additionalinformation about, or may have a special interest in, the generalgeographical location of the other party. This can include obtainingdirections to the location of the other party or realizing that thereare attractions, services and traffic or weather conditions in the areaof the other party. Current technologies do not automatically provide acall recipient's geographical location to a caller, and do not provideadditional information about the call recipient's geographical location.

It would be advantageous to be able to provide location and directioninformation pertaining to a recipient of a communication on a display ofa device. It would also be advantageous to be able to direct a caller toa location of the recipient based upon the call information.Accordingly, it would be desirable to address at least some of theproblems identified above.

SUMMARY

In one aspect a method includes detecting in a communication device acommunication between a sender and a recipient, determining a locationof the sender and a location of the recipient, determining a directionbetween the location of the recipient relative to the location of thesender, and providing a directional animation on a display of thecommunication device, wherein the directional animation is generally ina direction from the location of the sender towards the location of therecipient.

In another aspect, an apparatus includes a location module processorconfigured to determine location data corresponding to a geographicallocation of a sender and a recipient to a communication, and adirectional animation module processor configured to receive thelocation data and provide a directional animation on a display of acommunication device, the directional animation configured to indicate arelative direction from a location of the sender of the communicationtowards a location of the recipient of the communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the embodiments areexplained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system incorporating aspects of thedisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary device incorporating aspectsof the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2J are screenshots illustrating aspects of the disclosedembodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3E are screenshots illustrating aspects of the disclosedembodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4C are screenshots illustrating aspects of the disclosedembodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5D are screenshots illustrating aspects of the disclosedembodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 68 are illustrations of exemplary devices that can be usedto practice aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system incorporatingfeatures that may be used to practice aspects of the disclosedembodiments; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the general architecture of anexemplary system in which the devices of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a system 100 in which aspects ofthe present application can be applied. Although the disclosedembodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown inthe drawings and described below, it should be understood that thesecould be embodied in many alternate forms. In addition, any suitablesize, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are generally directed to usingaugmented reality (AR) in communication devices while sending orreceiving communications and allowing a user to follow or see where asent communication goes, or to see where a received communication comesfrom. In one embodiment, during a communication, location informationpertaining to each of the sending and receiving device is collected orotherwise obtained. The location data is then evaluated in order toprovide directional or other geographical information related to thelocation of one or more of the devices, such as for example, directionaldata between the sender and the recipient(s). Although the aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments will be generally described herein withrespect to a recipient, it will be understood that a communication canhave more than one recipient. For example, a communication, such as acall, text or email can have multiple recipients. A conference call willhave multiple parties to the call. The aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be applied to the situation where the communication hasmultiple recipients.

In one embodiment, the directional information is provided in the formof an animation. Animation, as that term is used herein, is generallyintended to include any suitable directional or geographicalindicator(s), and can be in the form of a two or three-dimensionalgraphical image or representation. In alternate embodiments, anysuitable indicator or feedback can be used to provide directionalinformation, such as including, but not limited to, audio and tactilefeedback of the device, or three-dimensional sounds. In one embodiment,the animation can also include information such as a distance betweenthe sender and the recipient(s) can also be provided. Furtherinformation pertaining to the respective location or locations can alsobe provided, such as the names of the respective locations, and servicesin the general area. The user is thus provided with feedback related toa location of the recipient(s) of a communication by the presentation ofone or more of directional, geographic and/or other location relatedinformation. The term “location”, “direction” or “directional”information, as used herein, are generally intended to include or referto such information and data. Although the aspects of the disclosedembodiments will generally be described with respect to a senderreceiving location information on a recipient, the situation could alsobe where the recipient receives and similarly uses the locationinformation as is described herein. Thus, the terms “user” and “otherparty” will be used to describe the “sender” and “recipient”interchangeably, and these terms can also include plurals of each party.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a communication(s) can be sent from a communicationdevice 102 of a sender 104 to a communication device 104 of a recipient103 through a network 105. The communication devices 102, 104 can be anydevices that are capable of, or configured to, communicate with, orprovide communications capability with each other or other devices. Thisincludes the sending and/or receiving of communications. Examples ofthese devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones,mobile computers, personal data assistants (PDA), wirelessly networkedcomputers and wired communication devices, such as telephones andcomputers. A “communication” as that term is used herein, is generallyintended to encompass any communication between one or more parties, andcan include for example, telephone calls, teleconference calls, voiceover Internet protocol (VOIP) calls, push-to-talk calls and messages,text messaging, multimedia messaging and electronic mail, chat messages,blog posts and replies. Communications can also include socialnetworking communications and posts, such as for example, Facebook™profile comments and messages, Twitter™ tweets and comments, andcomments on user images. In the example of the Facebook™ profile, thedirectional or location information will pertain to the user commentingon the Facebook™ profile and the owner of the profile.

The network 105 shown in FIG. 1A generally provides the communicationdevices 102, 104 with access to telecommunication services, including,but not limited to cellular telephone services, the Internet, messagingand email services, or any other network capable of providingcommunication services, such as those listed above and otherwisedescribed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary communication deviceor apparatus 120 that can be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1A. Thecommunication device of FIG. 1B generally includes a user interface 106,process modules 122, applications module 180, and storage device(s) 182.In alternate embodiments, the device 120 can include other suitablesystems, devices and components that provide for using augmented realityin a communication device in conjunction with the sending and receivingof communications, and animating directional information. The componentsdescribed herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to encompassall components that can be included in, or used in conjunction with thedevice 120. The components described with respect to the device 120 willalso include one or more processors or computer program products toexecute the processes, methods, sequences, algorithms and instructionsdescribed herein.

The user interface 106 of the device 120 generally includes inputdevice(s) 107 and output device(s) 108. The input device(s) 107 aregenerally configured to allow for the input of data, instructions,information, gestures and commands to the device 120. The input device107 can include one or a combination of devices such as, for example,but not limited to, keys or keypad 110, touch sensitive area orproximity screen 112 and a mouse or pointing device 113. In oneembodiment, the keypad 110 can be a soft key(s) or other such adaptiveor dynamic device of a touch screen 112. The input device 107 can alsobe configured to receive input commands remotely or from another devicethat is not local to the device 120. The input device 107 can alsoinclude camera devices (not shown) or other such image capturingsystem(s).

The output device(s) 108 is generally configured to allow informationand data to be presented to the user and can include one or more devicessuch as, for example, a display 114, audio device 115 and/or tactileoutput device 116. In one embodiment, the output device 108 can also beconfigured to transmit information to another device, which can beremote from the device 120. While the input device(s) 107 and outputdevice(s) 108 are shown as separate devices, in one embodiment, theinput device(s) 107 and output device(s) 108 can comprise a singledevice, such as for example a touch screen device, and be part of andform, the user interface 106. For example, in one embodiment where theuser interface 106 includes a touch screen or proximity device, thetouch sensitive screen or area 112 can also provide and displayinformation, such as keypad or keypad elements and/or character outputsin the touch sensitive area of the display 114. While certain devicesare shown in FIG. 1B, the scope of the disclosed embodiments is notintended to be limited by any one or more of these devices, andalternate embodiments can include or exclude one or more devices shown.

The process module 122 is generally configured to execute the processesand methods of the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. As describedherein, the process module 122 is generally configured to use locationinformation corresponding to the locations of the sender 101 andrecipient(s) 103 to determine and present directional information on thecommunication device 102 of the sender 101. It should be noted thatalthough the location of the sender 101 and recipient(s) 103 arereferred to herein, it is the locations of the respective devices 102and 104 that are determined and utilized with respect to the aspects ofthe present application. In one embodiment, the directional informationis presented as an animation and can include other direction andlocation information data related to the location of the sender 102and/or recipient 103.

In one embodiment, the process module 122 includes a location module136, a directional animation module 138, and a location services module140. In alternate embodiments, the process module 122 can include anysuitable function or application modules that provide for determining alocation of communication devices and using the determined locationinformation to present a directional indicator or animation on thedisplay of a communication device, as well as to provide additionallocation information as is described herein.

The application process controller 132 shown in FIG. 1B is generallyconfigured to interface with the applications module 180 and executeapplications processes with respects to the other modules of the device120. In one embodiment the applications module 180 is configured tointerface with applications that are stored either locally to or remotefrom the device 120. The applications module 180 can include orinterface with any one of a variety of applications that may beinstalled, configured or accessible by the device 120, such as forexample, office, business, media players and multimedia applications,web browsers, global positioning applications, navigation and positionsystems and locations and map applications. The applications module 180can also include a voice recognition system that includes atext-to-speech module that allows the user to receive and input voicecommands, prompts and instructions, through a suitable audio inputdevice. In alternate embodiments, the applications module 180 caninclude any suitable application that can be used by or utilized in theprocesses described herein. For example, in one embodiment, theapplications module 180 can interface with a navigation and positionsystem in order to determine a location of the sender 101 andrecipient(s) 103 and obtain enhanced service level information relatedto one or both of the locations. The location information can then beused to develop the directional animation described herein, as well asprovide the user with other information related to the location of therespective parties.

The communication module 134 shown in FIG. 1B is generally configured toallow the device 120 to receive and send communications and dataincluding for example, telephone calls, text messages, location andposition data, navigation information, chat messages, multimediamessages, video and email. The communications module 134 is alsoconfigured to receive information, data and communications from otherdevices and systems or networks, such as for example, the Internet. Inone embodiment, the communications module 134 is configured to interfacewith, and establish communications connections with other services andapplications using the Internet.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments utilize location data obtainedby the location module 136 during a communication pertaining to thesender 101 and the recipient 103. The location module 136 is generallyconfigured to determine or obtain the location data and can include, oris capable of interfacing with, global positioning applications,cellular identification based location detection systems, indoorpositioning devices, navigation and position systems, location and mapapplications, routing systems and other device or system configured toobtain or provide location detection. The location data determined orobtained by the location module 136 can be provided to, for example, thedirectional animation module 138, for use in developing and presentingdirectional animation during communication(s) as is generally describedherein.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2A, a message creation screen 201for an exemplary messaging application is illustrated. The messagecreation screen 201 generally allows the sender 101, also referred toherein as the “user”, to designate or select one or more recipients 103for a messaging communication. In a known fashion, one or morecommunication contact data can be associated with a recipient 103, andselected as such. For purposes of this example, communication contactdata is selected using a drop down menu 203 and can include, but is notlimited to, a phone number, social networking services contact data oran email address. In alternate embodiments, the recipient 103 can bedesignated in any known fashion, such as for example, by manuallyentering a destination address or number for the contact or importingthe recipient contact data from an address book or other suitableapplication.

Although the examples herein are described with respect to onerecipient, in alternate embodiments, more than one recipient can bedesignated for a communication, as is generally known. When a message issent to more than one recipient, the directional information pertainingto the one or more recipients can be selectively viewed or viewed as agroup. For example, the sender 101 will select a particular recipient inorder to view the directional information pertaining to the selectedrecipient, as is described herein. Alternatively, the directionalinformation related to each recipient party can be presentedsimultaneously. In one embodiment, the directional informationpertaining to each recipient can be individually highlighted orotherwise designated.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2B, a message type 205, alsoreferred to as emotive message icon 205, can be selected. As shown inFIG. 2B, and otherwise described herein, any one of a number of messageor communication types 205 a-205 d can be made available for selection.In this example, the possible emotive message icon 205, also referred toas a “feeling-icon” can include, but is not limited to, a “hug” 205 a, a“kiss” 205 b, a “wake up” 205 c and a “smile” 205 d. Each message type205 will be associated with a corresponding icon as is shown in theexemplary message types 205 a-205 d. In this example, the smile messagetype 205 d is selected. Although not shown in this example, in oneembodiment, in addition to selecting a message type 205, the sender 101can also create or insert a message to be sent in addition to themessage type 205, or separately. The message can include for example,text and other suitable attachments, such as multimedia files, forexample. In alternate embodiments, any suitable method of selecting ordesignating a message type can be used.

Once the message is ready to be sent, the user activates the Send ortransmit function of the sending device 102. As is shown in FIG. 2C, forexample, a Send button 207 is used to activate the Send function of thedevice or messaging application. In alternate embodiments, any suitablemethod can be used to initiate the transmit function of the sendingdevice 102 and send the message, including for example, a voiceactivated send command or a delayed send command.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide the user with the sensethat the message is traveling or otherwise moving to the recipient. Oncethe message is sent, in this example, the message screen 201 is zoomedout, or otherwise made to appear smaller in comparison to an overallsize of the display area 207. This provides the user with the feeling ofmovement of the message screen 201. In alternate embodiments, anysuitable indicator or icon can be used to provide the user with thefeeling of the movement of the message from the user to the recipient.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2D, the message screen 201 appearsagainst a background 209. In one embodiment, the background 209 is acamera image or viewfinder mode. In the camera image or viewfinder mode,an actual image view from a camera of the device 120 is used as thebackground image 209. In one embodiment, the message 201 can be providedin an approximate middle of the display area 207 and the background 209is the camera image. The message 201 is augmented on top of the cameraimage or view. In alternate embodiments, any suitable background imagecan be used. In this example, the background 209 has a geographic themeor nature. In another embodiment, the background 209 could include a mapor routing plan.

As shown in FIG. 2E as the message screen 201 of FIG. 2D continues tozoom out, giving the appearance of continued movement of the messagescreen 201. In one embodiment, when the camera view mode is activated,the appearance of the message screen 201 changes to a message sentscreen 211. The message sent screen 211 in this example includes therecipient name 213 and the selected emotive message icon 205, which inthis example is the smile icon 205 d. The message sent screen 211continues to zoom out as is shown in FIG. 2F. In the example shown inFIG. 2F, the message type icon 205 appears somewhat enlarged relative tothe message sent screen 211, so that the sent message appears on “top”of the viewfinder content or background 209. The message 211 thenappears to move or “fly” in the direction of the recipient in thisaugmented reality view

As shown in FIG. 2G, the message screen 211 of FIG. 2F has zoomed out(i.e. been decreased in size) to a point where it is no longer visiblein the display 207 area. Only the emotive message icon 205, which inthis example is the smile icon 205 d, is presented in the display area207 against the background 209. Although only the emotive message icon205 is shown in FIG. 2G, in one embodiment, the message can be presentedinstead. Generally, this state of the camera view mode indicates thatthe sent message has reached the recipient 103. In alternateembodiments, any suitable view or indication can be used to provide theuser with feedback on the state of the sent message. Although a gradualprogression of zooming out is shown from the message creation screen 201in FIG. 2D to the screen shown in FIG. 2G, in one embodiment, the screenshown in FIG. 2G could appear as the first screen after a message sent.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, as themessage is sent or reaches the recipient, information relating to alocation of the device 104 of the recipient is obtained. The locationinformation related to the sender's device 102 will already be known orwill also be obtained in a similar fashion. The location information canbe determined or obtained using any suitable locating device or method,including for example, global positioning systems, compasses, mappingand direction services, traffic conditions, accelerometers or otherservices or devices that obtain location information and/or providedirectional or routing measurements and data. In alternate embodiments,any suitable device or system can be used to determine and/or identifylocation information related to the recipient as well as the user(sender). In one embodiment, the location information is obtained by ordelivered to the location module 136 of FIG. 1B and is used to determinedirectional information from at least an approximate location of thesender's device 102 to at least an approximate location of therecipient's device 104.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also provide directionalinformation feedback related to a sent message or communication. In oneembodiment, referring to FIG. 2H, once the recipient locationinformation is determined, the directional animation module of FIG. 1Bwill create or provide an animation 217 that indicates a generaldirection from the sender's device 102 towards the recipient's device104. The animation can be static or dynamic. In the static case, theanimation simply points in the corresponding direction, similar to acompass. In one embodiment, where the animation is dynamic, theanimation appears to move across the display area 207 in a directioncorresponding to the location of the communication device 104 of therecipient 103, relative to a current location of the sender'scommunication device 102. As shown in FIG. 2H, in this example, theanimation includes presenting message type icon 206 adjacent to themessage type icon 205. In alternative embodiments, only the message typeicon 205 is presented. In order to present an appearance of movement,the message type icon 206 is spaced apart from, and is slightly smallerin size, than icon 205. In one embodiment, a connection or connector 215can also be presented between the two icons 205 and 206.

In one embodiment, in order to show further movement or animation, orenhance the directional indication in the case of a static animation, asshown in FIG. 2I, a plurality of message type icons 206 b-206 c arepresented, where each subsequent icon, such as icon 206 a, is smaller insize than a previous icon, such as icon 205. Although in this embodimenteach subsequent icon 206 a is described as being smaller in size than aprevious icon 205, this corresponds to the situation where thecommunication is sent, and presents the appearance that thecommunication is moving away from the user (sender). In the embodimentwhere the animation relates to a communication received in a device, theplurality of icons 206 b-206 c can be presented in a sequence that runssmall to large, where each subsequent icon 206 a is larger than theprevious icon 205, to present an impression that the communication isapproaching the recipient. Although only a certain number of additionalmessage icons or images are shown in the figures, the number ofadditional icons shown in the figures is for illustration purposes only.The scope of the disclosed embodiments is not limited by the number oficons or images used in an animation, and in alternate embodiments anysuitable number can be used. The use of multiple icons 206 b, 206 c ismerely illustrative of providing (on a static figure) the impression ofmovement on a display. In alternate embodiments, a single icon or othersuitable image or imagery can be used to show movement on a display.Thus, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to belimited by the use of a single, or multiple icons, to present animpression of movement on a display.

The animation 217 shown in FIG. 2I provides the sender 101 with ageneral indication of a direction to the location of the recipient 103relative to the sender 101 (in terms of their respective communicationdevices 102, 104) The animation sequence 217 presented by the one ormore icons 205 d, and 206 a-206 n, on the display area 207 generallypoints or moves towards a direction that corresponds to the approximatelocation of the recipient 103, relative to the current location of thesender 101 as determined from the location information. Although theanimation sequence 217 is generally described herein as a series oficons, in one embodiment, the animation sequence 217 can comprise asingle icon or image. For example, an image of a cord or line, such as aphone line, extending from the sender 101 towards the recipient 103 canbe presented. In alternate embodiments, any suitable icon, image orgraphic can be used that provides a sense of direction or connectionbetween or towards a sender and a recipient.

As shown in FIG. 2I, the animation sequence 217 appears substantiallyalong a continuum 219, beginning at origin 221 and continuing to atleast the last icon 206 c along the continuum 219. In the embodimentwhere the background 209 comprises a map, the end point 229 of theanimation sequence or continuum 217 can be a point on the map thatcorresponds to the location of the recipient. In addition to pointing tothe location on the map, in one embodiment, geographical locationinformation can also be displayed that corresponds to the end point 229.

In one embodiment, where the background 209 is a map, the animation 217can be provided as routing on the map, either in a dynamic or staticmode. For example, the location information is used to develop routinginformation from the sender 101 to the recipient(s) 103. The animation217 is presented as the route on the map. Although the map in thisexample is indicated as being the background 209, in one embodiment, theanimation 217 is provided directly on a map, with providing mapinformation in the background 209. The animation 217, or communication,follows the map routing. This can allow the sender 101 to “follow” thecommunication to the recipient.

As another example, in the map view, the sender can “virtually” travelto the location of the recipient. The background 209 can be provide asan “earth” or satellite image, such as that as might be seen from acamera view in an aircraft, satellite or space travel vehicle. Thecommunication icon 205 d can be “followed” as it travels to the locationof the recipient in this view. Thus, in addition to providingdirectional information pertaining to a communication, in oneembodiment, the user can see where the communication goes or comes from.The user can move the device 120 and follow the communication, even ifthe communication 205 d moves outside of the display area 207 of thedevice 120.

For example, a message is to be sent to from party A to party B. Party Acreates or writes the message and sends the message. The augmentedreality view of the disclosed embodiments is activated showing themessage icon 205 d in the middle of the display area 207, with thebackground 209 being the viewfinder view from the camera of the device120. If Party B is to the right side of Party A, the message icon 205 dmoves outside the display area 207 towards the right. Party A can movethe device 120 and point it more towards right in order to follow themessage icon 205 d “flying” to the right and finally reaching thelocation of Party B as presented on the background 209.

In one embodiment, the animation 217 provides the impression of theicon(s) moving on or “flying” across the display area 207, particularlywhen the animation 217 is a dynamic animation. It is noted that althoughthe animation 217 is described in terms of “icons”, in alternateembodiments any suitable image(s) or graphic(s) can be used for theanimation. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not intended tobe limited by the type of particular imagery used for the animation.Also, the animation 217 can be provided in any suitable orientation thatprovides a user with general directional information as describedherein. In one embodiment, the animation 217 can be refreshed as thesender 101 gets closer to the recipient 103 in order to provide moredetailed or specific direction or location information.

Referring to FIG. 2I, in one embodiment, the user can shift orreposition the communication device to move the view finder view. InFIG. 2I, the origin 221 of the animation 217 is located in anapproximate middle of the display area 207 and extends or moves from theorigin towards the right side 207 b of the display area 207. In oneembodiment, movement of the communication device can cause acorresponding change in the location of the origin 221 in the viewfinder view presented in the display area 207. For example, by movingthe communication device to the right, in one embodiment, referring toFIG. 2J, the origin 221 shifts towards the left side of the display area207. This allows the animation 217 to also shift to the right, and asshown in FIG. 2J, the animation 217 expands, providing a more detailedview of the animation 217. Thus, while in FIG. 2I the animation 217 endsat the right edge 207 of the display area 207, in FIG. 2J, the origin221 is shifted and the continuum ends at a point 229 within the displayarea 207. This can provide a more exact view of the location of theother party. In the embodiment where the background 209 is a map view,the animation 217 shifts on the map. Movement of the communicationdevice in other directions causes similar viewing changes. For example,moving the communication device to the left in FIG. 2I will provide aview with a shorter animation sequence 217. When the user sends amessage, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments will show thedirection of the recipient(s) 103 of the message. An animation 217 isprovided in an augmented reality view. In one embodiment, the cameraview finder is shown as the background 209 and a message icon 205 a isadded as a layer on top of this real life view. The icon 205 d is movedin the direction of the recipient's 103 location. If the recipient 103is a direction that does not correspond to a current direction that thedevice 120 is pointing to, the sender 101 can move the device 120 leftor right to see the direction in which the message icon 205 d is movingand where it “lands” (i.e.) where the recipient 103 of the message is.)

Referring again to FIG. 2I, in one embodiment, it is also possible toprovide additional directional and navigation information related to thelocation of the recipient 103. For example, in one embodiment, adistance indicator field or window 223 is provided that shows theapproximate distance between the sender 101 and the recipient 103. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2I, the distance indicator field 223 ispresented in the display area 207, although in alternate embodiments,the distance indicator field 223 can be presented in any suitablelocation or format. For example, in one embodiment, the animation 217can comprise the distance indicator field, where the distance indicatorfield 223 starts at the origin 221 and continues, or is animated, acrossthe display area 207 in an indicated direction.

In another example, referring to FIG. 2J, an additional informationfield 227 is provided. In this embodiment, the additional informationfield 227 includes, for example, the name of the location of therecipient 103 as well as the distance between the sender 101 and therecipient 103. In alternate embodiments, any suitable information ordata can be provided in the additional information field 227. Forexample, directional information could be displayed, such as North,South, East or West, or variations thereof, to indicate a relativedirectional orientation of one party to the other party. The aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited by the type ofinformation or content provided in the additional information field 227.In one embodiment, the location services module 140 of FIG. 1 obtainsand processes the additional information for presentation in the displayarea 207.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate one embodiment of the present application where atext message is sent. In this embodiment, a message recipient 303 isselected on a message creation screen 301. Message text 305 is added andthe Send function 307 is activated. In this embodiment, once the message305 is sent, the message screen 301 is zoomed out and the view findermode is revealed as shown in FIG. 3C. In this example the view finderimage state 309 includes a reduced size message screen 311 against abackground 313 as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. In one embodiment, thebackground 313 is a “real environment” image, such as the camera viewimage. In alternate embodiments, the view finder mode 309 can includeany suitable image or graphic against a background that provides theuser with the impression that the message is being sent and/or deliveredto the recipient and allows the user to “follow” the message to itsdestination.

In order to provide the animated directional information as describedherein, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the reduced size message screen 311can be animated in a direction of the recipient of the message, relativeto a location of the sender. In FIG. 3D, animation 321 is provided inwhich the screen 311 is caused to appear to move in a direction A, whichhas been determined by the location module 136 and directional animationmodule 138 to be towards the relative location of the recipient. Asshown in FIG. 3E, in this example, the animation 321 is further enhancedby the presentation of one or more subsequent message screens 315 a-n ina sequence 317 where each subsequent screen, such as screen 315 n, issmaller in size than the preceding screen 315 a. Although in thisexample multiple screens are used to provide the directional animation321, in an exemplary embodiment, the animation 321 is the image of onlyone screen moving against the background 313 towards the edge 323.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments can also be applied to messagesthat were previously received or are stored in an inbox. For example, anincoming and outgoing messages are typically stored or saved in an“In-Box” or “Sent Items” folder, respectively, In one embodiment, when amessage in either one of these folders is opened, a directionalanimation can be provided, as described herein, to illustrate where themessage went to or came from, even though the message was previouslysent or received. The animation 217 can be newly created, based oncurrent or stored location data, or recreated from stored animationdata. Where the animation is recreated from stored animation data, theanimation 217 can provide directional information related to thecommunication, as of the time the communication was originally sent orreceived. In one embodiment, the animation 217, or another animation canbe provided, that indicates a current or updated location(s) of theparties to the communication. For example, when a communication isoriginally sent, the parties to the communication will be at “original”locations. However, if the communication is not accessed in real time,but rather at a subsequent time, one or more of the parties may havechanged their locations. The animation data can be updated to providenot only the “original” locations, but can also provide the “current”location data for the parties.

In one embodiment, the animations can also be configured to remainvisible on the display for a certain period of time after thecommunication is detected. For example, after the visualization of thecommunication, as is described herein, the animation 217 can remainvisible or active for a pre-determined time period. In one embodiment,the animation data can be stored and associated with the communication.This can provide a historical trace of the communication. Also, if thecommunication is stored and then later accessed, the saved animationdata can be used to recreate the corresponding animation.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments can also be applied to incomingcommunications, where an animation provides directional informationrelated to an origin of the communication relative to the recipient.Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, an incoming communication, such as call isdetected, and a suitable incoming call screen 401 is presented on thedisplay of the receiving communication device. When the call isanswered, the incoming call screen 401 is zoomed out and the view findermode 403 is revealed as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4B, a series405 of reduced size incoming call screens 407 a-407 n are presented,where each subsequent screen, such as screen 407 b, is smaller in sizethan the preceding screen, such as screen 407 a. In one embodiment, onlya single screen 407 a is used. The series of screens 407 a to 407 nprovides a general directional indication B towards a location of thecaller, relative to a location of the receiving communication device. Inone embodiment, the series 405 of reduced size incoming call screens 407a-407 n can be replaced with a suitable icon, such as the telephone icon409. The telephone icon 409 is generally oriented on the view 403 in thegeneral direction B, starting from the origin point 411 towards thelocation 413 of the icon 409. The icon 409 can be stationary, as shownin FIG. 4C, or can also be animated as otherwise described herein.

As noted herein, the directional information related to the location ofthe parties to a communication is animated. As is generally understood,animation is the rapid display of a sequence of one or more images,either two-dimensional or three-dimensional artwork or model positions,in order to create an impression or illusion of movement on the display.In the examples described previously, the animation originates at anorigin point or other suitable location on the display and appears tomove on the display in a direction that generally relates to thelocation of the other party based on the orientation and position of thedisplaying device. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, some general examples ofthe types of animation that can be used in conjunction with thedisclosed embodiments are provided.

FIG. 5A illustrates the situation where the party, in this case therecipient 103, is located towards the back-right side of the user. Itshould be noted that although these examples are described in terms ofviewing a directional animation on the sender's communication device102, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments equally apply to viewingthe directional animation described herein on the recipient'scommunication device 104, where the animation pertains to a directiontowards the sender's communication device 102 from the recipient'scommunication device 104.

As shown in the example of FIG. 5A, the origin 501 is located in anapproximate center of the display area 503. In alternate embodiments,the origin 503 can be any suitable location on the display area 501. Asis shown in FIG. 5A, the directional animation 505 is in a direction Ctowards the right corner 509 of the display area 503. In this example,the animation 505 is shown as a series 509 of box outlines. In alternateembodiments, the communication icon is used and moved in a manner toprovide the impression of movement toward the user (i.e. the messagemoving towards the device and through it). It will be understood that inalternate embodiments, any suitable image, icon or graphic can be usedfor purposes of the animation. For example, in one embodiment images ofarrows or pointers could be used. For purposes of the animation 505, inone embodiment, each element 511 a, 511 b in the series 509 can becaused to cycle on and off in a sequential manner to provide theappearance of movement. After a predetermined time, the series 507 canbe removed from the display area 503 or otherwise dimmed, and theanimation 505 can again repeat itself. This causes the illusion ofmovement in the direction C. In one embodiment, the message screen 513can be included in the animation and be caused to appear and re-appearas part of the animation 505. This animation 505 provides a generalindication or feeling of movement of the message screen 513 towards thecorner 509 of the display area 503.

FIG. 5B illustrates a situation where the recipient 103 is towards theright side of the sender 101. In this example, an animation 515 isprovided that originates at or from the area of origin 517 and appearsto move in a direction D towards the right side 519 of the display area503. In this example, it is noted that a size of each image 521 a, 521 bis constant. In alternate embodiments, the size of each image 521 a, 521b can be varied, such as shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a situation where the other party is behind theuser. In this example, the animation 523 appears to emanate from theorigin 525 and move in a direction E, outwards, or towards the user.Each image 527 a, 527 b increases in size as the animation 523progresses to give the impression that the animation is moving towardsthe user.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5D, the other party is in the frontof the user. The animation 529 emanates from the origin 531 and appearsto move in a direction E, or away from the user into the display area503. Each subsequent image 533 a, 533 b in this example is presented ina size that is smaller than the prior image, to provide the appearanceof movement away from the user.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 5A-5D and with reference to the exampleshown in FIG. 2J, movement of the communication device can repositionthe view finder image on the screen. For example, referring to FIG. 5A,moving the communication device to the right, can cause the origin 501to shift to the left, within the limits of the display area 503. Thismovement can cause a corresponding expansion (or contraction) of theanimation as described with reference to FIG. 2J.

In one embodiment, the animation can be adjusted or configured based ona proximity of the user to the recipient. In one embodiment, when theother party is relatively close to the user, an intensity of theanimation, as measured in terms of frequency of repetition or contrastof the image(s), can be greater relative to a situation where the otherparty is farther away. For example, if a predetermined distance is 1kilometer, and the distance between the parties is less than 1kilometer, the animation can be presented with a high intensity and/orcycle at a higher frequency. In alternate embodiments, the animation oricon can be different for different distances and proximity. As theparties get closer together, relative to the pre-determined distance orother criteria, the intensity and frequency of the animation cancontinue to increase. However, if the distance between the parties isgreater than the pre-determined distance, or the parties move, or aremoving farther away from each other, the animation can be dimmed orcycle at a lower frequency, relative to the situation where the partiesare within the pre-determined distance or moving closer together. Inother embodiments, the animation might be combined with or include auralindicators. Although this example is defined in terms of distance, suchas 1 kilometer, in alternate embodiments, any suitable unit of measuremight be used.

By combining elements of surprise, augmented reality, locationinformation, presence and services, the aspects of the disclosedembodiments allow for a standard or otherwise boring message to becomeinformative and interesting. By being able to perceive the location ofthe other party, and/or other information related to the location, theuser can enhance the communication experience. For example, the usersends a message to another party. When the message is sent, thedirectional animation described herein allows the user to see where themessage is sent. The user can, among other things, determine a proximityto the other party and choose to call or meet with the other party.

In the embodiment where the user is provided with additional informationrelated to the location of the other party, such as shops andrestaurants, for example, the user can identify places or services ofinterest. For example, the user may know of or see a movie theater nearthe location of the other party. The aspects of the disclosedembodiments allow the user to readily recognize this information, basedon the directional animation and/or additional information fields, andcan ask the other party to obtain tickets.

The directional animation of the aspects of the disclosed embodimentscan also allow the user to “follow” the communication or animation tothe other party (where such a scenario is realistically possible). Forexample, where the parties are in relative proximity to each other, suchas at a stadium, shopping mall or city center, the directional animationcan be used as a navigation instrument to guide or direct the usertowards the other party. The directional animation may also be useful inlarger environments, such as the outdoors.

Although the aspects of the disclosed embodiments have been generallydescribed with respect to an automatic determination of a location ofthe other party, in one embodiment, the other party can selectivelyenable whether location information will be determined. For example, ifone party does not want their location information to be readilyavailable to the other party, the delivery or obtaining of the locationinformation can be selectively disabled or blocked. Alternatively, thecommunication delivered to the recipient may include a request to allowlocation information to be returned to the sender. In this case, therecipient may need to take some action, such as activating a key, toenable the location information of the recipient to be determined.

Some examples of devices on which aspects of the disclosed embodimentscan be practiced are illustrated with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B. Thedevices are merely exemplary and are not intended to encompass allpossible devices or all aspects of devices on which the disclosedembodiments can be practiced. The aspects of the disclosed embodimentscan rely on very basic capabilities of devices and their user interface.Buttons or key inputs can be used for selecting the various selectioncriteria and links, and a scroll function can be used to move to andselect item(s).

FIG. 6A illustrates one example of a device 600 that can be used topractice aspects of the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6A, inone embodiment, the device 600 has a display area 602 and an input area604. The input area 604 is generally in the form of a keypad. In oneembodiment the input area 604 is touch sensitive. As noted herein, inone embodiment, the display area 602 can also have touch sensitivecharacteristics. Although the display 602 of FIG. 6A is shown beingintegral to the device 600, in alternate embodiments, the display 602may be a peripheral display connected or coupled to the device 600.

In one embodiment, the keypad 606, in the form of soft keys, may includeany suitable user input functions such as, for example, amulti-function/scroll key 608, soft keys 610, 612, call key 614, end key616 and alphanumeric keys 618. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6B.,the touch screen area 656 of device 650 can also present secondaryfunctions, other than a keypad, using changing graphics.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, a pointing device, such as forexample, a stylus 660, pen or simply the user's finger, may be used withthe display 656. In alternate embodiments any suitable pointing devicemay be used. In other alternate embodiments, the display may be anysuitable display, such as for example a flat display 656 that istypically made of a liquid crystal display (LCD) with optional backlighting, such as a thin film transistor (TFT) matrix capable ofdisplaying color images. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can alsoinclude head mounted displays, data glasses or other similar devices auser can wear to enter an augmented reality view.

The terms “select” and “touch” are generally described herein withrespect to a touch screen-display. However, in alternate embodiments,the terms are intended to encompass the required user action withrespect to other input devices. For example, with respect to a proximityscreen device, it is not necessary for the user to make direct contactin order to select an object or other information. Thus, the above notedterms are intended to include that a user only needs to be within theproximity of the device to carry out the desired function.

Similarly, the scope of the intended devices is not limited to singletouch or contact devices. Multi-touch devices, where contact by one ormore fingers or other pointing devices can navigate on and about thescreen, are also intended to be encompassed by the disclosedembodiments. Non-touch devices are also intended to be encompassed bythe disclosed embodiments. Non-touch devices include, but are notlimited to, devices without touch or proximity screens, where navigationon the display and menus of the various applications is performedthrough, for example, keys 110 of the system or through voice commandsvia voice recognition features of the system.

In one embodiment, the device 600 can include an image capture devicesuch as a camera 620 as a further input device. The device 600 may alsoinclude other suitable features such as, for example a loud speaker,tactile feedback devices or connectivity port. The mobile communicationsdevice may have a processor or other suitable computer program productconnected or coupled to the display for processing user inputs anddisplaying information on the display 602 or touch sensitive area 656 ofdevice 650. A computer readable storage device, such as a memory may beconnected to the processor for storing any suitable information, data,settings and/or applications associated with each of the mobilecommunications devices 600 and 656.

Although the above embodiments are described as being implemented on andwith a mobile communication device, it will be understood that thedisclosed embodiments can be practiced on any suitable deviceincorporating a processor, memory and supporting software or hardware.For example, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented on varioustypes of music, gaming and multimedia devices. In one embodiment, thedevice 120 of FIG. 1B may be for example, a personal digital assistant(PDA) style device 650 illustrated in FIG. 6B. The personal digitalassistant 650 may have a keypad 652, cursor control 654, a touch screendisplay 656, and a pointing device 660 for use on the touch screendisplay 456. In one embodiment, the touch screen display 656 can includethe QWERTY keypad as discussed herein. In still other alternateembodiments, the device may be a personal computer, a tablet computer,touch pad device, Internet tablet, a laptop or desktop computer, amobile terminal, a cellular/mobile phone, a multimedia device, apersonal communicator, a television set top box, a digitalvideo/versatile disk (DVD) or high definition player or any othersuitable device capable of containing for example a display andsupported electronics such as a processor(s) and memory(s). In oneembodiment, these devices will be Internet enabled and include GlobalPositioning System (“GPS”) and map capabilities and functions.

In the embodiment where the device 600 comprises a mobile communicationsdevice, the device can be adapted for communication in atelecommunication system, such as that shown in FIG. 7. In such asystem, various telecommunications services such as cellular voicecalls, worldwide web/wireless application protocol (www/wap) browsing,cellular video calls, data calls, facsimile transmissions, datatransmissions, music transmissions, multimedia transmissions, stillimage transmission, video transmissions, electronic messagetransmissions and electronic commerce may be performed between themobile terminal 700 and other devices, such as another mobile terminal706, a line telephone 732, a personal computer (Internet client) 726and/or an internet server 722.

It is to be noted that for different embodiments of the mobile device orterminal 700, and in different situations, some of thetelecommunications services indicated above may or may not be available.The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited to anyparticular set of services or communication, protocol or language inthis respect.

The mobile terminals 700, 706 may be connected to a mobiletelecommunications network 710 through radio frequency (RF) links 702,708 via base stations 704, 709. The mobile telecommunications network710 may be in compliance with any commercially available mobiletelecommunications standard such as for example the global system formobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunication system(UMTS), digital advanced mobile phone service (D-AMPS), code divisionmultiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), wideband code division multiple access(WCDMA), wireless local area network (WLAN), freedom of mobilemultimedia access (FOMA) and time division-synchronous code divisionmultiple access (TD-SCDMA).

The mobile telecommunications network 710 may be operatively connectedto a wide-area network 720, which may be the Internet or a part thereof.An Internet server 722 has data storage 724 and is connected to the widearea network 720. The server 722 may host a worldwide web/wirelessapplication protocol server capable of serving worldwide web/wirelessapplication protocol content to the mobile terminal 700. The mobileterminal 700 can also be coupled to the Internet 720. In one embodiment,the mobile terminal 700 can be coupled to the Internet 720 via a wiredor wireless link, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Bluetooth™connection, for example.

A public switched telephone network (PSTN) 730 may be connected to themobile telecommunications network 710 in a familiar manner. Varioustelephone terminals, including the stationary telephone 732, may beconnected to the public switched telephone network 730.

The mobile terminal 700 is also capable of communicating locally via alocal link 701 to one or more local devices 703. The local links 701 maybe any suitable type of link or piconet with a limited range, such asfor example Bluetooth™, a USB link, a wireless Universal Serial Bus(WUSB) link, an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) link, anRS-232 serial link, etc. The local devices 703 can, for example, bevarious sensors that can communicate measurement values or other signalsto the mobile terminal 700 over the local link 701. The above examplesare not intended to be limiting and any suitable type of link or shortrange communication protocol may be utilized. The local devices 703 maybe antennas and supporting equipment forming a wireless local areanetwork implementing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX, IEEE 802.16), WiFi (IEEE 802.11x) or other communicationprotocols. The wireless local area network may be connected to theInternet. The mobile terminal 700 may thus have multi-radio capabilityfor connecting wirelessly using mobile communications network 710,wireless local area network or both. Communication with the mobiletelecommunications network 710 may also be implemented using WiFi,Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or any other suitableprotocols, and such communication may utilize unlicensed portions of theradio spectrum (e.g. unlicensed mobile access (UMA)). In one embodiment,the communication module 134 of FIG. 1 is configured to interact with,and communicate with, the system described with respect to FIG. 7.

The disclosed embodiments may also include software and computerprograms incorporating the process steps and instructions describedabove. In one embodiment, the programs incorporating the process stepsdescribed herein can be stored on or in a computer program product andexecuted in one or more computers. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of oneembodiment of a typical apparatus 800 incorporating features that may beused to practice aspects of the invention. The apparatus 800 can includecomputer readable program code means embodied or stored on a computerreadable storage medium for carrying out and executing the process stepsdescribed herein. In one embodiment the computer readable program codeis stored in a memory(s) of the device. In alternate embodiments thecomputer readable program code can be stored in memory or other storagemedium that is external to, or remote from, the apparatus 800. Thememory can be direct coupled or wireless coupled to the apparatus 800.As shown, a computer system 802 may be linked to another computer system804, such that the computers 802 and 804 are capable of sendinginformation to each other and receiving information from each other. Inone embodiment, computer system 802 could include a server computeradapted to communicate with a network 806. Alternatively, where only onecomputer system is used, such as computer 804, computer 804 will beconfigured to communicate with and interact with the network 806.Computer systems 802 and 804 can be linked together in any conventionalmanner including, for example, a modem, wireless, hard wire connection,or fiber optic link. Generally, information can be made available toboth computer systems 802 and 804 using a communication protocoltypically sent over a communication channel or other suitable connectionor line, communication channel or link. In one embodiment, thecommunication channel comprises a suitable broad-band communicationchannel. Computers 802 and 804 are generally adapted to utilize programstorage devices embodying machine-readable program source code, which isconfigured to cause the computers 802 and 804 to perform the methodsteps and processes disclosed herein. The program storage devicesincorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be devised, madeand used as a component of a machine utilizing optics, magneticproperties and/or electronics to perform the procedures and methodsdisclosed herein. In alternate embodiments, the program storage devicesmay include magnetic media, such as a diskette, disk, memory stick orcomputer hard drive, which is readable and executable by a computer. Inother alternate embodiments, the program storage devices could includeoptical disks, read-only-memory (“ROM”) floppy disks and semiconductormaterials and chips.

Computer systems 802 and 804 may also include a microprocessor(s) forexecuting stored programs. Computer 802 may include a data storagedevice 808 on its program storage device for the storage of informationand data. The computer program or software incorporating the processesand method steps incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments maybe stored in one or more computers 802 and 804 on an otherwiseconventional program storage device. In one embodiment, computers 802and 804 may include a user interface 810, and/or a display interface 812from which aspects of the invention can be accessed. The user interface810 and the display interface 812, which in one embodiment can comprisea single interface, can be adapted to allow the input of queries andcommands to the system, as well as present the results of the commandsand queries, as described with reference to FIG. 1B, for example.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide for using augmentedreality in mobile communication devices while sending and receivingcommunications, such as messages and calls. Location data pertaining tothe sender and recipient is obtained and is used to provide adirectional indicator and/or animation during the communication. Thedirectional animation will provide a general directional indicationtowards the other party and can also enable the ability to “follow” theanimation towards the other party. The directional animation can alsoinclude other information, such as a distance between the parties, alocation name or a description of services and facilities near thelocation of the other party.

Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independentclaims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations offeatures from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims withthe features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinationsexplicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes exampleembodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed ina limiting sense. Rather, there are variations and modifications whichmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: detecting in a communication device a communication between a sender and a recipient; determining a location of the sender; deterring a location of the recipient; determining a direction between the location of the recipient relative to the location of the sender; and providing a directional animation on a display of the communication device, wherein the directional animation is generally in a direction from the location of the sender towards the location of the recipient.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the directional animation is a directional indicator on the display.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the direction animation is presented together with a real life image on the display.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the direction animation comprises a directional three-dimensional sound.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising changing a position of the communication device to relocate an origin point of the animation on the display.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising presenting the directional animation as a route on a map.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising, when the communication is sent from the communication device, providing information on the display pertaining to the location of the recipient of the communication, wherein the information further includes a list of services near the location of the recipient.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising, when the communication is sent from the communication device; providing a sent communication indicator on the display and moving the sent communication indicator on the display in the direction towards the location of the recipient relative to the location of the sender.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising moving the sent communication indicator on the display in a manner that causes the sent communication indicator to appear more distant to the sender.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the communication is sent from the communication device, providing on the display a first indicator representing the location of the sender and a second indicator representing the communication being sent, the second indicator being positioned on the display relative to the first indicator to provide a indication of the direction to the recipient relative to the location of the sender.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the second indicator is caused to move on the display towards a position on the display that corresponds to the direction towards the location of the recipient.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the second indicator comprises a series of indicators appearing on a continuum.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the directional animation further comprises one or more directional indicators animated against a background image on the display.
 14. An apparatus comprising: a location module processor configured to determine location data corresponding to a geographical location of a sender and a recipient to a communication; a directional animation module processor configured to receive the location data and provide a directional animation on a display of a communication device, the directional animation configured to indicate a relative direction from a location of the sender of the communication to a location of the recipient of the communication.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a location services module processor configured to determine at least one service corresponding to the location of the recipient, when the communication is sent from the communication device and provide an information window on the display identifying the at least one service.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises a mobile communication device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the directional animation module processor is further configured to provide, when the communication is sent from the communication device, a sent communication indicator on the display of the communication device after the communication is sent and move the sent communication indicator on the display in a direction that corresponds to the relative direction towards the location of the recipients.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the directional animation module processor is further configured to provide a first indicator on the display representing the location of the sender and a second indicator representing the communication being sent, the second indicator being positioned on the display relative to the first indicator to provide a indication of the direction to the recipient relative to the location of the sender.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the directional animation module processor is further configured to cause the second indicator to move towards a position on the display that corresponds to the direction towards the location of the recipient.
 20. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising: code for detecting in a communication device a communication between a sender and a recipient; determining a location of the sender; deterring a location of the recipient; determining a direction between the location of the recipient relative to the location of the sender; and providing a directional animation on a display of the communication device, wherein the directional animation is generally in a direction from the location of the sender towards the location of the recipient.
 21. The computer program product of claim 20 further comprising code for providing a sent communication indicator on the display and moving the sent communication indicator on the display in the direction towards the location of the recipient relative to the location of the sender. 